Philadelphia Eagles' Michael Vick throws a pass during a joint workout with the New England Patriots at NFL football training camp in Philadelphia, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2013. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

PHILADELPHIA - Eagles coach Chip Kelly finally ended the suspense Thursday and announced that Michael Vick will start the team's preseason opener against New England on Friday.

Vick will alternate series in the first quarter with Nick Foles. The order will be reversed next week, with Foles getting the start against Carolina next Thursday.

"We're going to try to balance it out as best we can," Kelly said.

Vick and Foles have been taking turns playing with the first-team offense since training camp opened in late July.

Vick began last season as the Eagles' starter before being sidelined with a concussion. Foles took over and started six games.

"I've never really been in this situation before," Vick said Thursday. "I mean, I've been in competitions before, but never this severe. I'm just trying to take everything in stride and not worry about things I can't control."